Flint River Council BSA
Thunder Scout Reservation
1166 Dripping Rock Rd
Molena, GA 30258
706-646-2255
E-mail: bolt@thunderbsa.org

Flint River Council BSA
P.O. Box 173
Griffin, Georgia 30224
(770) 227-4556

"Welcome to the summer camping season at the Thunder Scout Reservation. We have a tremendous facility for you and your troop to experience the best part of Scouting's outdoor program...Summer Camp!!! Many activities await you and your Scouts at Camp Thunder. Everything from the thrill of experiencing the natural beauty of our Reservation, to earning merit badges, to completing rank advancement, to taking part in the special activities we have planned. Leaders, whether on board for the entire week or just for one night, will also have plenty of activities available."

Our camp staff is committed to providing you the best possible program. Our goal is to be friendly and responsive to the needs of your unit and to set an excellent example of what good Scouts should be to all those attending camp. The staff has been carefully selected and trained to assist in your stay. They stand ready to help you at any time.

We continue to adjust, expand, and develop our program. We feel that the 2000 program will be our best and most energetic effort ever. Please take time to prepare for your adventure at Camp Thunder. In order for us to best meet your needs, it will be important to plan your troop activities and advancement. Please take time before camp to determine what your troop program requirements are and communicate that information to us before you arrive. That will give us the opportunity to assist you in meeting your goals.

If you have any questions, special needs, or just want to talk about your week in camp, feel free to contact us. We will be happy to work with your troop in any way we can. Again, we are glad to have you on board as a member of the Thunder team in 2000.

Other Programs and Merit Badges: Lot's of other programs and activities are available during Summer Camp. With the Aquatics Program, Waterfront Activities, Fine Arts and Technology Program, Nature Ecology Program, Health and Wellness Program, Shooting Sports Program, and Scoutcraft Programs, which include over 40 Merit Badges and other awards and certifications, you'll find lot's of things you want to do. Enjoy Summer Camp and make the most of your time!

Our web site options (http://thunderbsa.org/camp_thunder/summrcmp.htm

Register Your Troop for Summer Camp Online!

Specialty Programs & General Information
The Buckskin Program for First Year Scouts
FDR Program -- American Heritage and Disability Awareness
The Eagle Trail Program for Senior Scouts
Project C.O.P.E. Program for Senior Scouts
Mountain Biking Program for Senior Scouts
Other Programs and Activities

General Information
For the Good of the Camp
Summer Camp Fee Schedule
Pre-Camp Checklist
Map of Camp Thunder

Participation in the weekly specialty programs are subject to limitations in size. Participation will be on a first come first serve basis.

Participation in Biking Program, and COPE is limited to First Class Scouts and at least thirteen (13) years of age before January 1.

Hiawathaland Council
2210 U.S. 41 South
Marquette, MI 49855
906-249-1461

"Camp Hiawatha but it is a "back to basics" camp where patrols do their own cooking on sheepherder stoves. They offer several High Adventure trips using the camp as a base. One to Grand Island, another to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and a river canoeing trip ( no whitewater). This year they had an International Venturing Camp that included a troop from Denmark. Last year they had a troop from Zimbabwe. The staff will accomodate practically anything. Camp director "grampa" Joe Erickson is just fantastic, call him with your needs and he will bend over backwards to help you. Contact Joe Erickson at the Hiawathaland Council Service Center in Marquette. (2210 US 41 South, Marquette, MI 49855 1-800-236-1441 email: hiawabsa@up.lib.mi.us) "

Camp Hiawatha is located in the heart of the Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. Our 800 acres of wilderness forest lend themselves well to the "Back-to Basics", traditional camping experience we offer. One of our eight well designed, Self contained campsites is waiting to provide a unique setting for your troop. Patrol cooking on sheepherder stoves, swimming in Bunting Lake and a variety of outdoor programs are also blended into our rustic setting. Let the whisper of the wind in the pines lull you to sleep and the hauntingly beautiful call of the Bunting Lake loons awake you to another day of fun filled adventure.

The Pictured Rocks high adventure camp is located on Grand Island in Lake Superior near Munising, Michigan. The island is a part of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Park. The camp has backpacking, canoeing, rappelling, wilderness survival, geology, forestry, backpacking, historic trails, and sea kayaking out to and around the island. The program length is five days, four nights. A troop can choose the Lake Shore adventure, which is a 50 mile hike over 5 days between Grand Maris and Munsing. No special equipment is needed. The program is only open to those with troops attending the council camp.

HIAWATHALAND DISCOVERIES: A BSA BASE CAMP : Is your Scout Troop, Varsity Scout Team, or Explorer Post looking for a long term adventure without the detailed planning? Consider Hiawathaland Discoveries: A BSA Base Camp! Hiawathaland discoveries allows your unit to have a base camp in the central Upper Peninsula from which you can explore the entire peninsula. We meet all BSA National and Michigan FIA licensing standards for long term camping. This allows you to spend your time planning and enjoying your journey rather than being bogged down in paperwork and permits. FEE SCHEDULE Fees are per person-per week $60.00 Includes site fee, tentage, cooking gear, and meal plan. Meal plan is 12 meals of your choice, served from our kitchen, or your unit may do patrol cooking. For more information on this and other Camp programs contact us at:

Viking Council Boy Scouts of America
5300 Glenwood Avenue
Golden Valley, MN 55422
(612) 545-4550

"I did not attend camp with our troop this year but hear a lot of great things about it. The leaders loved the activities and program. The counselors were generally older than a lot of camps we've seen, and they actually MADE the boys do the MB requirements. My son really liked climbing the wall during troop time and we had a few boys do the climbing MB. Some went on an overnighter called Huck Finn that was really enjoyable. The aquatics program (in the lake) was really good from what I heard, and was enjoyed immensely despite most of the week having highs in the 70s. The leaders and scouts raved about it."

"Each year, we lay out a bunch of viable options, and ask the Scouts to choose. They keep choosing Many Point, and we are secretly pleased. The staff, the program, and the location are all the best we've seen."

"I forgot to mention that Many Point is divided into four program areas called camps. Ten Chiefs, Voyageur, Buckskin, and Flintlock. We generally stay at the Ten Chiefs Camp. Most of the information, photos, etc. is in the various camp sites."

Many Point Scout Camp is made up of separate program subcamps: Buckskin, Ten Chiefs, Voyageur, and Flintlock. Each camp operates independently and has all their own facilities and equipment, such as climbing towers, nature centers, rifle ranges and sailboats. The only difference is the food service available in that camp, from dining hall to patrol cooking to something in between.

Many Point offers a wide variety of Camp Activities that your troop can participate in with camp staff support. These activities often have a limiting resource (equipment or facility) that require your troop to be scheduled into that activity at a specific time. The camp staff will help coordinate that scheduling. Many of these activities are also available in the evenings for "open and merit badge practice time." Here are some of the activities available:

Aquatics (Sailing; Canoeing; Rowing; Voyageur Canoes - Check out these two 12-man canoes; Instructional Swim; Snorkeling; Mile Swim; Open Swims; Troop Swims; Troop Beaches; Water Polo; Greased Watermelon) Shooting Sports (Archery "Bullseye Club; Rifle; Shotgun) Nature Programs (Nature Lodge; Night Skies) Scoutcraft (Climbing Towers/Walls have over-verticles, ceilings and a rappel side; Orienteering; Dutch Oven Cooking; Utensil-less Cooking; Knots and lashing, Totin' Chip and Firem'n Chit, fire building.) Horseback Riding (Trail Rides; Overnight Rides; Horsemanship merit badge) 100-Foot Fire Tower and History Center (Scouts get to see all of Many Point and more from the tower, even another fire tower on the horizon. A staffed program tells how fire towers were used and Scouts get to try their hand at "calling in a smoke." The History Center provides a "walk through time" from the glacier age to the present.)

The Ironman (A personal challenge for all campers (youth and adult). This triathalon starts with 1.5 mile canoe race with a partner, goes into a 1/5 mile swim under close staff supervision, and finishes with a 2 mile run. All finishers are winners and qualify for the coveted IRONMAN emblem.) Ethics in Action (This program at Many Point will be lead by trained camp staff with the goal of equipping your troop with the ability to continue the programs at home in troop meetings and campouts. A special adult leader training will be held to orient you to the program's elements and benefits.) Super Troop Award (The Many Point Super Troop Award gives a troop a set of standards to aim towards, The program is conducted within the troop with staff help if you would like. Qualifying troops receive a Super Troop ribbon.) Back of Moon Lake (A new program designed for the Scouts and leaders who would appreciate a place with solitude. Log adirondack shelters have been constructed on the site to provide overnight shelter.) Order of the Arrow (A calling out ceremony is conducted each week at camp to recognize newly elected members to the Order of the Arrow.)

Many Point's High Adventure (Based out of the Flintlock Camp and open to all Scouts who will be in the 8th grade or higher next year. Mountain Bike Programs -- Daily rides include Many Point camp roads, logging roads, and single-track trails. Two other exciting mountain bike programs include overnight rides and the Itasca Challenge. Huck Finn's Raft -- Spend a day and night in the life of Huck Finn on his giant raft in the middle of Flintlock Bay. Huck can show you the secrets of cane pole fishing, Mississippi River water games, snorkeling and swimming. Project C.O.P.E. -- The highlight of the program is the high course. The high course is a personal challenge up to forty feet off the ground, ending with a several hundred foot zip line ride. To maximize the group building process, visitors are not allowed while C.O.P.E. is in session. Kayak Programs -- Two programs are offered. There will be a day kayak program and then a longer, kayak overnight where Scouts will pack their gear and food aboard and head off to a special campsite. In both programs, Scouts will learn how to be safe and efficient and will try more than one style of kayak. Participants must be Swimmers and bring a swim suit, towel and change of clothes. Big Boat Sailing -- Older Scouts can learn and enjoy sailing 16 ft. to 26 ft. sailboats in this program. A special overnight sailing trip is also available. Participants must be swimmers.

Sailboards -- Try your hand at catching the wind and taking it for a ride. Many Point has several styles of sailboards to try. Participants must be swimmers. GPS Program Modern technology becomes your tool in the wilderness to help you find your way or mark a trail for others. With Global Positioning Units in hand, and satellites overhead, Scouts will find hidden markers and challenge other Scouts to find their marked positions.

Pony Express Council, BSA
P. O. BOX 8157
1704 Buckingham Street
Saint Joseph, MO 64508
816-233-1351

"Geiger Scout Reservation of the Pony Express Council is a fine camp, in fact, it was one camp with such a record of success at bringing older scouts back year after year that Irving, Texas sent a team of national staff members down to study it as one of the ten most successful BSA camping programs in America. No doubt this camp owes some of its success to the unique Tribe of Mic-O-Say program. Pony Express is one of only two councils in the USA with this program (the other is Kansas City) founded by H. Roe Bartle. It may be worth noting that the Pony Express Council is one of only two councils in the entire nation where scouts and campers at summer camp are not given the opportunity to participate in Order of the Arrow."

A Scout can explore the more primitive old camp area and take part in its challenging COPE course, or within the same camp boundaries, can hike the river bluffs and eventually reach a scenic over-look on the highest point in northwest Missouri. Camp Geiger's 2000 program will offer a tremendous variety of activities for Scouts of all ages. The first year Scout camper will certainly want to take part in the Pioneers program, designed for the younger and less-experienced camper. In Pioneers, he will learn basic Scoutcraft skills and will advance in progress through Scouting's junior ranks: Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class.

A tremendous variety of Merit Badge related activity awaits Scouts of every age. One need only review the listings elsewhere in this Web site to appreciate the great diversity of learning and fun activities promised by this large assortment of badges--made better by the very experienced staff that will help conduct them.

Older Scouts can challenge themselves to the rigors of COPE and the new rappelling tower. And of course, there is the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, the honor camper society of Camp Geiger. Mic-O-Say is one of the great success stories of the Scouting program. Mic-O-Say is a society of exceptional Scouts and leaders, so-honored because of their character and leadership.

Leaders can come to Camp Geiger confident that their young charges will have an adventure filled week that will certainly include a generous helping of personal growth in the process. Parents can confidently lend their sons to Camp Geiger, assured that its staff and leaders will do their utmost to give their sons a week worth remembering.

So what will it be this summer? A hike through the hills and lowlands? A challenging run down the zip line? An exhilarating "fall" from the rappelling tower? Mountain biking? Scoutcraft skills? Swimming? Learning the stars? Learning new crafts? Firing a rocket? Learning how to save a life? Perhaps induction into the Tribe of Mic-O-Say? It's up to you.

Camp Geiger has one of the Top Ten Summer Camp Programs in the United States (BSA National Summer Camp Study Project) Camp Geiger is the birthplace of COPE (It started right here in the Pony Express Council) Camp Geiger returns sixty to seventy percent of its older Scouts. 1356 Scouts walked the hills and valleys of Camp Geiger in 1999. For the fifth consecutive year, attendance at camp showed an increased. Last year 1296 Scouts attended.

Camp Geiger is rapidly becoming a regional favorite for Scouts in the Midwest as evidenced by the ever increasing numbers of Scouts electing to attend Camp Geiger. Many of these units enjoy two summer camp experiences during the summer: one in their own council camp and a second experience at Camp Geiger. Much of the success for the ever increasing numbers can be attributed to Rick Hamman, camp promotions chairman. The council wishes to thank Mike Gerhardt, Camp Director, and John Hessen, Program Director, for superb efforts in developing a high quality program and staff for Camp Geiger, 1999.

The Camp Geiger Staff has a higher average age than most, providing your Scouts with more seasoned, mature leadership. Camp Geiger is the home of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, an honor camper organization that has inspired generations of Scouts for 74 years.

Heart of America Council, Boy Scouts of America
10210 Holmes Road
Kansas City, Missouri 64131
816-942-9333

"At 4,200 acres, I think it's one of the larger camps in the nation and one of the few 10-day camps left."

"The H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation run by the Heart of America Council in Kansas City is definitely five star. It has three complete camps, identically equipped, plus a lake waterfront for the three camps to share. The program there is strong enough that many scouts return five and six years - or more. Camping is strong in the council so it is difficult for out of council troops to get in, but there are usually some spaces allocated each year."

"Heart of America Council out of Kansas City has two camps, the one on the Missouri side is the H. Roe Bartle Reservation. It is a non O.A. camp where the traditions of the Tribe of Mic-o-say are practiced. This same camp society program is also offered at the Pony Express Councils Geiger Scout Reservation. Because of Mic-o-say, these two camps have a huge summer camp attendance and some of the highest retention rates of any scout camp in the nation."

When the camp first opened it had more than 4,200 acres and a few years later an additional 1,000 acres was added to bring the grand total to 5,200 acres. Also on the property is a very impressive 270 acre man made lake which adds to the magic of the property and to the program.

Now more than 30 years have passed since the first summer of the "production" of men. Thousands of young men have come and gone have created great memories for themselves and also for the camp. Each scout that has attended camp has taken a little home with them with the knowledge that they learn from working on badges and from working with others. They also leave a little behind when they leave after their week of camping, they leave memories, tradition and scouting spirit which lives and grows on the S-F Scout Ranch for the next summer because for over 30 years they keep coming back for more.

Greater St. Louis Area Council, B.S.A.
4568 West Pine Blvd.
St. Louis, Missouri 63108-2179
(314) 361-0600

Old Hickory Council
6600 Silas Creek Parkway
Winston-Salem, NC 27106
(336) 760-2900

Each year it is a unique challenge for this group of tenured staff members to meet the needs of all scouts young and old. We pride ourselves in the program that we offer: a quality listing of instructional opportunities that include the Scouting Basics to High Adventure. We strive each year to bring you new merit badges and other programs as well as to keep the successful and more popular ones.

We have several programs each year that are tailored to the older scout. These programs are designed to be more rigorous and include high adventure items that young men 13 and over will enjoy. Some of this year's programs have very specific age and physical ability requirements. There is usually an additional charge for these programs as well.

Merit Badges: Auto Mechanics; Climbing; Shotgun Shooting; Mountain Biking - A "bring your own bike" half-day adventure into the backwood trails of the camp and nearby areas. Mountain Man Rendezvous - A step back into history that includes anything from logging and deer hide tanning to blacksmithing and tomahawk throwing. Kayaking - Learn how to kayak still and moving water here in Lake Sabotta and on nearby rivers.

K-Games - K-games is a program for older scouts and scouters that are looking for challenges other than the normal merit badge instructional program that camp has to offer. The K-games emphasize cooperation, communication, and teamwork. Teams compete in a variety of timed encounters that they will have to rely on their teammates physical fitness, determination, ability to overcome obstacles, and mental fortitude. The K-games provide the ultimate in scouting excitement while maintain high safety standards.

Can I Participate? Participants are required to be at least 14 years of age. Troops should bring teams of four to compete. Adult groups are also encouraged or a combination of adults and Scouts. There will be an opportunity for individuals to participate if they cannot form their own group. Individual participation will be dependent upon the availability of other individuals to comprise a four person team.

How Do the Games Work? Events will vary from year to year. Each event will have a scoring system. All team members will have to finish the stage together to qualify their score. Each stage winner will be based on score. Recognition will be given for participation in the program, program completion, winning a stage, setting a record score for a stage, winning the week's competition, and overall summer champion. Each participant will receive a K-games patch. There will be patch segments for each of the above mentioned areas. The leading team will wear current leader shirts. Training Suggestions work up to a 25 mile bike ride that is on the road and mountain bike trail work on tandem paddling techniques 12 to 15 mile hike with day pack practice rock climbing and repelling techniques work on basic scouting skills (ex. knots, lashing, fire building, etc.) swimming endurance you must get a scouting high adventure physical

Personal Equipment List (Regular Summer Camp Equipment; Multiple pairs of shoes and boots for riding, hiking, swimming, and running; Compass; Mountain bike and helmet; Personal first aid kit; Day pack; Knife; Optional but helpful items: head lamp flashlight personal PFD (life jacket)